National Barrier Awareness Day 2024 is on Tuesday, May 7, 2024: What do you think of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day?

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 is National Barrier Awareness Day 2024. National Fence Construction and Event Fencing Rentals. Get a Fence Quote Today.

I think that it's great that there is Aids awareness, however I find it ridiculous that they claim to be discriminated against but it's them who do everything possible to not assimilate into society.

Hopefully the awareness will help Latinos, but I find it doubtful since their society is very macho and misogynistic.

What can be causing my sever menstrual cramps?

Sounds like hallmark Endometriosis...

From the Endometriosis Research Center @ www.endocenter.org:

"About Endometriosis:

With Endometriosis, tissue like that which lines the uterus (the endometrium) is found outside the womb in other areas of the body. Normally, the endometrium is shed each month through menses; however, with Endometriosis, these implants have no way of leaving the body. The implants still break down and bleed, but result is far different than in women and girls without the disease: internal bleeding, degeneration of blood and tissue shed from the growths, inflammation of the surrounding areas, and formation of scar tissue result. In addition, depending on the location of the growths, interference with the normal function of the bowel, bladder, intestines and other areas of the pelvic cavity can occur. Endometriosis has also been found lodged in the skin - and even the brain.

Despite today's age of medical advances, researchers remain unsure as what causes of Endometriosis. There is NO CURE, despite the continued propagation of such myths by the uninformed who still mistakenly believe that hysterectomy, pregnancy and/or menopause can "cure" the disease. Invasive surgery remains the gold standard of diagnosis, and current therapies continue to remain extremely limited, often carrying side effects.

Mistakenly minimized as "painful periods," Endometriosis is more than just "killer cramps." It is a leading cause of female infertility, chronic pelvic pain and gynecologic surgery, and accounts for more than half of the 500,000 hysterectomies performed in the US annually. Despite being more prevalent than breast cancer, Endometriosis continues to be treated as an insignificant ailment. Recent studies have even shown an elevated risk of certain cancers and other serious illnesses in those with the disease, as well as malignant changes within the disease itself.

Recent research indicates that genetics, immune system dysfunction, and exposure to environmental toxins like Dioxin may be contributing factors to the development of the disease. Endometriosis knows no racial or socioeconomic barriers, and can affect women ranging from adolescence to post-menopause. The disease can be so painful as to render a woman or teen unable to care for herself or her family, attend work, school, or social functions, or go about her normal routine. It can negatively affect every aspect of a woman's life; from her self-esteem and relationships, to her capacity to bear children, to her ability to be a contributing member of society.

The disease can currently only be diagnosed through invasive surgery, and the average delay in diagnosis is a staggering 9 years. A patient may seek the counsel of 5 or more physicians before her pain is adequately addressed. Once diagnosed, it is not unusual for a patient to undergo several pelvic surgeries and embark on many different hormonal and medical therapies in an attempt to treat her symptoms. None of the current treatments are entirely effective, and virtually all synthetic therapies carry significantly negative side effects; some lasting far beyond cessation of therapy. The exception to this is excision; see www.centerforendo.com to learn more about excision as the leading treatment.

Though Endometriosis is one of the most prevalent illnesses affecting society today, awareness is sorely lacking and disease research continues to remain significantly under funded. For instance, in fiscal year 2000, the National Institutes of Health planned to spend $16.5 billion on research. Of that funding, only $2.7 million was earmarked for Endometriosis - amounting to approximately $.40/patient. This is in stark contrast to other illnesses such as Alzheimer's and Lupus, which received approximately $105.00 and $30.00 per patient, respectively. American businesses lose millions of dollars each year in lost productivity and work time because of Endometriosis. The cost of surgery required to diagnose the disease in each patient alone adds greatly to the financial burden of both consumers and companies alike.

Due in part to the efforts of foundations like the ERC, research is ongoing in some places as to the causes of Endometriosis and potential cures for the disease. Our organization will continue to push for more widespread research into the many facets of the disease, and ultimately, a cure.

For more information:

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Endometriosis Frequently Asked Questions

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Surgery versus the Use of Lupron Depot as Treatment

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Use of Lupron Depot Prior to Surgical Diagnosis

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We have extensive materials on all aspects of the disease available; choose your items of interest today

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ERC General Support Listserv – come share with others who understand

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ERC's Girl Talk Listserv, for those under 25

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To obtain patient to patient doctor referrals

Not sure if you have Endometriosis? While pelvic surgery is the only current way to definitively diagnose it, symptoms can lead you and your doctor to suspect the disease. Review the following and consider if any of these common symptoms apply to you. Review your answers with your gynecologist for further discussion.

Do you experience so much pain during or around your period that you find yourself unable to work, attend school or social functions, or go about your normal routine? _____YES / _____ NO

Do you have any relatives diagnosed with Endometriosis? _____YES / _____ NO

Do you find yourself with painful abdominal bloating, swelling or tenderness at any time in your cycle? _____YES / _____ NO

Do you have a history of painful ovarian Endometriomas ("chocolate cysts")? _____YES / _____ NO

Do you have a history of miscarriage, infertility or ectopic pregnancy? _____YES / _____ NO

Do you experience gastrointestinal symptoms during your cycle, such as nausea or vomiting and/or painful abdominal cramping accompanied by diarrhea and/or constipation? _____YES / _____ NO

Do you have a history of fatigue and/or a lowered immunity (i.e., "sick and tired" all the time)? _____YES / _____ NO

Do you have a history of allergies, which tend to worsen around your periods? _____YES / _____ NO

If sexually active, do you experience pain during sexual activity? _____YES / _____ NO

Do you suffer from autoimmune diseases or other conditions (i.e., thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, chronic migraines)? _____YES / _____ NO

Have you ever undergone pelvic surgery like a laparoscopy, in which Endometriosis was suspected but not definitively diagnosed?

_____YES / _____ NO

If you have answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, you may have Endometriosis. Talk to your doctor about getting an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment today. Dull aching and cramping can occur during menstruation in many women and teens, due to uterine contractions and the release of various hormones including those known as prostaglandins. However, period pain that becomes so debilitating it renders you unable to go about your normal routine is not ordinary or typical! Pain is your body's way of signaling that something is WRONG. If you are suffering from pelvic pain at any point in your cycle, an Endometriosis diagnosis should be considered.

Know the Facts:

- Endometriosis can affect women and teens of all ages, even those as young as 10 or as old as 85!

- Hysterectomy, menopause and pregnancy are NOT cures for Endometriosis; in fact, there is no definitive cure!

- Delayed childbearing is NOT what causes Endometriosis; in fact, no one really knows for sure what causes the disease, but research points to multi-factorial origins like heredity, immunology and exposure to environmental toxicants!

- Endometriosis can only be accurately diagnosed via surgery; diagnostic tests like MRIs and ultrasounds are not definitive!

- GnRH therapies like Lupron should never be administered in those patients younger than 18 yrs. of age or before a surgical diagnosis!

- You CAN live well in spite of Endometriosis. WE ARE HERE TO HELP!"

Hope that helps.

Who was Eleanor Josaitis;explain?

Eleanor M. Josaitis (died August 9, 2011) is the co-founder of Focus: HOPE. She was engaged in building the legacy of the civil rights organization. For many years, she was the Associate Director of Focus: HOPE. Upon Father Cunningham's death in 1997, she became the Executive Director, and later the CEO. In 2006, she turned over the day-to-day operation to a new leadership team in order to focus her efforts on fund raising. She passed away, of cancer, on August 9, 2011.

She provided leadership and advocacy for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and made important contributions to public awareness of hunger and malnutrition. Working with co-founder Father William Cunningham, she helped develop Centers of Opportunity education and training programs to help primarily underrepresented minorities gain access to jobs and careers. She served on numerous board and committees, including The National Workforce Alliance Board, the Michigan Council for Labor and Economic Growth, and the Advisory Board for the Arab-American and Chaldean Council. In 2002 she was named one of the most influential women in Detroit by Crain Communications Inc.'s Detroit Business Publication.

Eleanor M. Josaitis co-founded Focus: HOPE, a nationally-renowned civil and human rights organization, with Father William T. Cunningham (1930-1997) in the aftermath of the 1967 Detroit riots. She served as CEO until 2006 when she decided to focus her efforts on fund raising to build an endowment for the future of Focus: HOPE. Driven by a passion for civil rights, Mrs. Josaitis worked with Father Cunningham to develop programs that “use intelligent and practical action to overcome racism, poverty and injustice.” The organization’s food, education and training, community arts, and community development programs have assisted hundreds of thousands of individuals.

Mrs. Josaitis has provided leadership and advocacy since 1971 for Focus: HOPE's Commodity Supplemental Food Program for mothers, children, and senior citizens. She has made important contributions to public awareness of hunger and malnutrition, to the formulation of national policy and responsible legislation, and to effective program management. She chaired the Commodity Supplemental Food Program Steering Committee and hosted the White House Conference on Aging.

With the belief that education and training are the keys to ending racism and poverty, Mrs. Josaitis and Father Cunningham started education programs that have enabled thousands of talented men and women gain access to the financial mainstream. The machinist training program broke both the race and gender barriers in the machinist trades in the 1980s. The information technology program prepares students for industry certifications and the innovative engineering program enables students to earn college degrees while getting hands-on work experience. The organization also has added programs in health care training and weatherization.

The recipient of 13 honorary doctorates and numerous awards, Mrs. Josaitis serves on several boards and advisory boards. She has been inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame and the Heritage Hall of Fame in Detroit and was named one of the 100 Most Influential Women by Crain’s Detroit Business. She and her husband, Donald, live in Detroit. They have five children and seven grandchildren.